MINNEAPOLIS -- There was certainly enough pressure to go around. The Minnesota Vikings defense, so stout early, had become leaky. Quarterback Christian Ponder had failed to throw for 100 yards in two of his last three starts. The Vikings, after a 4-1 start, had lost three out of four games, including two straight, and were about to take to Mall of America Field without injured receiver Percy Harvin. Which is why, after a 34-24 victory over the NFC North Division rival Detroit Lions Sunday, there was plenty of redemption to go around in the Vikings' locker room. This was a pivotal game for both teams. The Vikings (6-3) came in with a two-game losing streak. The Lions (4-5), after a slow start, had won two in a row. It appeared these were two ships about to pass in the middle of the afternoon. But wait. The Vikings defense was wonderful early, good enough late, forcing two turnovers that were turned into 10 points. Adrian Peterson was incredible, especially at the end, ...

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